The Roots of Streetwear: From NYC Underground to Global Phenomenon

Streetwear is a style of casual clothing that originated in the underground hip-hop and skateboarding scenes in the 1980s. It is characterized by bold graphics, oversized silhouettes, and a focus on comfort and practicality. Streetwear often incorporates elements of athletic and sportswear, as well as inspirations from surf, punk, and hip-hop cultures. Today, streetwear has evolved into a global phenomenon, encompassing a wide range of styles and influences and spanning high-end designer collaborations to independent labels. Streetwear is known for its emphasis on individuality and self-expression, as well as its connection to popular culture and current trends.

Streetwear has become a staple of modern fashion, with its roots tracing back to the 1980s in New York City. From its humble beginnings in the underground hip-hop scene to its current place in the mainstream, NYC streetwear has had a major impact on fashion, music, and popular culture. Let's walk through some of the key players in the NYC streetwear scene and the history behind it all.

Dapper Dan: The Godfather of NYC Streetwear
Dapper Dan, born Daniel Day in 1944, is widely considered the godfather of NYC streetwear. A Harlem-based tailor, he rose to fame in the 80s for his extravagant designs that fused hip-hop culture with high fashion. Dapper Dan's clientele included some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including LL Cool J, Run DMC, and Salt-N-Pepa. His innovative designs inspired a generation of streetwear designers and paved the way for the streetwear movement as we know it today.

FUBU: The Brand That Put Streetwear on the Map
FUBU, which stands for "For Us By Us," was founded by Daymond John, Keith Perrin, J. Alexander Martin, and Carlton Brown in 1992. The brand quickly gained popularity in the hip-hop community and was worn by some of the biggest names in music, including LL Cool J and Busta Rhymes. FUBU became the first streetwear brand to go mainstream, paving the way for other streetwear brands to follow.

Supreme: The King of NYC Streetwear
Supreme was founded in 1994 by James Jebbia and quickly became one of the most recognizable streetwear brands in the world. Known for its iconic box logo and collaborations with high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Comme des Garçons, Supreme has become synonymous with streetwear culture. The brand's limited edition releases and long lines of dedicated fans have made it one of the most sought-after streetwear brands of all time.

NYC streetwear has come a long way since its roots in the 80s hip-hop scene. From Dapper Dan to Supreme, the city has produced some of the biggest and most influential streetwear brands in the world. Today, streetwear continues to evolve and shape popular culture, and its impact can be felt far beyond the streets of New York City.

Today, streetwear is no longer just a niche trend confined to the streets of New York City. It has become a global phenomenon, with fans and collectors all over the world clamoring for the latest releases from top streetwear brands. From high-end designer collaborations to independent labels (like us), streetwear has infiltrated every aspect of the fashion industry and continues to push the boundaries of what is considered "fashionable".

The Growth of Independent Brands:
One of the biggest trends in streetwear today is the rise of independent brands. With the ease of access to technology and social media, starting a streetwear brand has never been easier. This has led to a proliferation of independent labels, each with their own unique take on streetwear and its associated culture. From graphic tees to oversized jackets, independent streetwear brands are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of streetwear.

The Impact of Streetwear on Popular Culture:
Streetwear has had a profound impact on popular culture, from music to art to sports. From athletes wearing exclusive sneakers on the court to musicians incorporating streetwear into their personal style, the influence of streetwear can be seen everywhere. Additionally, the highly sought-after limited edition releases and collaborations have created a culture of hype and exclusivity around streetwear, making it one of the most coveted forms of fashion in the world.

To wrap this up, streetwear has come a long way since its beginnings in the 80s in New York City. Today, it is a global phenomenon, with a growing number of independent brands and a profound impact on popular culture. Whether you're a fan of the latest designer collaborations or prefer the raw energy of independent labels, there's no denying the influence and impact of streetwear on the fashion world.

We look at our brand as a community. Yes, we are a clothing brand, but what we really strive to push out to our audience is the message of what the brand stands for. Not just our latest designs. You can be anything you want in this city with the right mindset and execution. That is what we want to encourage everyone reading this to really think about. Streetwear is a way to express yourself and show the world what you are all about.

Be ambitious.